State Patrol Dispatcher (DeForest)

State of Wisconsin; De Forest (MN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave time

Health benefits

Pension

Wellness program

Employee assistance

Total rewards calculator

Job summary

Wisconsin Department of Transportation is seeking a State Patrol Dispatcher (Law Enforcement Dispatcher) to staff a 24/7 emergency communications center at the DeForest Post. This full-time, in-office role supports State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors by providing timely information and directives via radio and computer systems.

The position emphasizes high-stress decision making, multitasking, and clear communication across agencies. Background checks and state employment processes apply.

Qualifications

• Ability to multi-task while prioritizing urgent and simultaneous requests.
• Strong verbal and written communication in urgent scenarios.
• Experience using multiple computer screens and CAD systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate 24/7 emergency communications center.
• Monitor State Patrol personnel and coordinate responses.
• Handle information and directives via radio and computer systems.

Skills

Multitasking

Clear communication

CAD and screens

Tools

Excel

CAD system

Job description

Introduction Provide emergency dispatch, critical information, and support services to State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors as a State Patrol Dispatcher (Law Enforcement Dispatcher)! State Patrol Dispatchers are civilian employees with the Wisconsin State Patrol. Dispatchers work 'behind the scenes' to fulfill a vital role in public safety, helping State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors, as well as other law enforcement professionals by coordinating the proper response to a variety of complex and emergency incidents. This position is headquartered at the DeForest Post, 911 W North Street, DeForest, WI and is required to work full time, 5 days per week in the office.

Benefits

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of paid leave time to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that roll over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits (health plan options start at just $49/month for single plans and $122/month for family plans after two months of employment)
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being
• Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!

In addition to our generous employee benefits, we strive for inclusivity and celebrate different religious holidays and cultural observances and provide flexibility for utilizing paid time off for such celebrations. For more information on WisDOT you can visit our website by clicking here.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is an organization dedicated to creating transportation solutions through innovation and exceptional service. We are committed to fostering an environment rooted in Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, and Accountability. Click here to learn more about how we apply these values in our work.

Note: If you previously applied in June/July 2026, you do not need to apply again for consideration.

Position Summary

State Patrol Dispatchers (Law Enforcement Dispatchers) work as a team to monitor the location and status of State Patrol sworn personnel, provide information, directives, and messages to law enforcement personnel using complex electronic voice communications equipment and computer systems. On a typical shift, there may be 25-60 State Patrol field personnel as well as other law enforcement agencies relying on the dispatchers for communication and information. Situations may range from routine communications for public assistance (disabled motorists, tow services), critical situations (request for emergency assistance, natural disasters, felony arrests, high-speed pursuits, drug interdiction, criminal apprehension, etc.), and life‑threatening emergencies. Dispatchers must be able to exercise sound judgement in determining priorities and levels of response to multiple, simultaneous incidents at the same time.

Salary Information

This position is in schedule-range (36-64) with an hourly rate of $25.75-$30.60, plus excellent benefits. A twelve month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.

State Patrol Dispatchers receive a $1.00 per hour pay increase after 12 months and 24 months in the classification. Additional pay incentives are provided for working evenings, nights, holidays and weekend hours.

Job Details

State Patrol Dispatchers are responsible for the daily operation of a 24/7 emergency communications center. Work is of a highly stressful nature and requires extreme mental stamina. Employees may often work alone. Dispatchers should expect to work weekends, holidays, frequently extended shifts, nights, and evenings. Additional pay incentives are provided for working evenings, nights, holidays, and weekend hours.

State Patrol Dispatchers receive and provide information, directives and messages to law enforcement over radio and electronic communications. Successful candidates must be able to clearly hear and understand words over two-way radio with distractions, distortions and background noise, with or without accommodation.

The radio dispatch workstation includes multiple computer monitors displaying a variety of computer systems concurrently. Successful candidates must have the ability to quickly view and read multiple computer monitors at different heights and distances at the same time, with or without accommodation, for extended periods of time.

A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted as part of the recruitment process for top candidates. The background investigation will seek and obtain information and records pertaining to your background as it relates to the job, whether such information is public, private, favorable, unfavorable, or confidential in nature. Background investigations may include but are not limited to: FBI fingerprinting and criminal history, driving/motor vehicle history, present and former employers, military service, and any private citizen who may be able to speak to your qualifications.

This state agency does not sponsor work visas. This state agency is not enrolled in USCIS E-Verify and is not eligible to employ international F-1 students seeking STEM-OPT extension. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants must meet all the following:

• Experience multi-tasking while ensuring accuracy of work, including determining priorities and urgency in response to changing and simultaneous assignments or conditions.
• Experience communicating information clearly and accurately in urgent situations to and from a variety of sources.
• Experience using multiple computer screens, systems, and software at the same time.

In addition to all the above, well-qualified applicants must meet one or more of the following:

• Experience working with Microsoft Excel or comparable for creating reports, sorting, keying data, and/or manipulating spreadsheets.
• Experience working with a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to document, prioritize, and manage multiple incidents and activities.
• Experience working with public safety communications/dispatch such as receiving, evaluating, and/or disseminating information and instructions.